Salary cap concerns force Broncos to cut Champ Bailey,
Bears bid farewell to record-breaking return man Hester.
Champ Bailey spent a decade with the Denver Broncos, making eight Pro Bowls and picking off 34 passes even with quarterbacks only reluctantly glancing his way.
But this number was hard to overlook: $10 million.
In a salary-cap move Thursday, the Broncos released Bailey, their defensive leader who’s been a fan favorite since he was acquired in a trade with Washington in 2004.
There’s simply no room for loyalty in the NFL, especially with free agency about to start and with holes needing to be filled, something that became apparent to the Broncos after a 43-8 loss to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl last month.
Broncos boss John Elway called the decision to release Bailey a “difficult” one given all that the perennial Pro Bowl cornerback has brought to the team over his 10 seasons in Denver.
“Without question, he’s among the best cornerbacks to ever play the game,” Elway said in a statement.
Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. The Bears said they are parting ways with the three-time Pro Bowler after eight seasons, confirming what he told NFL Network the previous day. So instead of a return to Chicago, he’ll become a free agent.
Hester matched Hall of Famer Deion Sanders’ NFL record with his 19th return touchdown last season.
The Bears also agreed to a one-year contract with defensive end Trevor Scott.
Indianapolis needed a linebacker. D’Qwell Jackson just wanted to play for a winner. On Thursday, everybody got their wish.
Jackson, who spent his entire career with Cleveland until being released last week, signed a fouryear, $22 million contract to play with Indianapolis.
The Colts also released starting center Samson Satele and made qualifying offers to three players set to become free agents next week — outside linebacker Cam Johnson, cornerback Josh Gordy and offensive guard Joe Reitz.
New coach Mike Zimmer says he would welcome Matt Cassel back if the veteran quarterback decides he wants to return. Cassel is opting out of the option year on his contract and is expected to explore his options in free agency.
Re-signed defensive back Brandon Smith and tendered offers to three exclusive rights free agents – receiver Chris Hogan, offensive lineman Antoine McLain and fullback Frank Summers.
Kicker Billy Cundiff agreed to a contract extension. The club also tendered an offer to starting inside linebacker Craig Robertson as an exclusive-rights free agent.
Signed tight end Clay Harbor and offensive tackles Cameron Bradfield and Sam Young.
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